As people travel the world, they tend to leave traces behind that refer to their presence in past and future times. In this series, I strive to look at this relationship between human elements and the natural environment. Specifically, the way we always try to adjust space to our specific needs, not realizing we are the alien element in these permanent landscapes.
Traces ranging from small adjustments to artificial structures in the natural landscape become signs of the conflict and coherence between man and nature. Ultimately, they define the habitat of human species.
At times I feel we are getting used to the absurd constructions we created within the social context. By focussing on these elements and questioning different contexts I try to show the absurd beauty of what otherwise is overseen.
The meaning of these landmarks change while time goes by. Sometimes, these traces are slowly being erased and natural elements are taking back these almost forgotten grounds. As a passenger travelling through these places I aim to notice and capture these alienating moments.
© Maroesjka Lavigne
New York, NY – November 2016 / Renay Elle Morris / photopresseimages.com
New York City is a fabulous place to be especially if you are a photo enthusiast. The recent PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo (October 19-22) offered an amazing, well-defined image-based agenda that captured the attention of shooters worldwide. Welcoming over 21,000 image-makers, the event, held yearly at NYC’s Javits Convention Center, did not disappoint. Those eager to set eyes on a never-ending assortment of new cameras and equipment, software and hardware, and a bevy of top-of- the line digital capture products ready for market, had the opportunity to participate in a series of talks and walks, workshops, product demonstrations, lectures and portfolio reviews _ all designed for the amateur as well as the pro.
A crowd pleaser for sure, was a “Keynote Conversation” featuring two icons in music and photography. Rock legend Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) revealed private thoughts and public commentaries on the music industry and his love of the photographic medium with Rolling Stone’s chief photographer, and musician himself, Mark Seliger. And with Seliger, can it get any better? The two, relaxed and unrehearsed, captured the audience’s attention with an impressive and spontaneous delivery of ideas and thoughts about both mediums. Nash, years before he garnered fame as a rock icon, held his first camera as a child and never lost interest. Storytelling was a big part of the conversation while his images were displayed on 2 large screens. They were poignant and deeply personal, and reflected the sensitivity of an artist with a soul deep and caring.
“It’s not the process. It’s the vision.” _ Graham Nash
2017 Dates: 26-28 October / Javits Conventions Center, NYC / photoplusexpo.com
Born 1977 in Baia Mare, Romania. Lives and works in Cluj and Berlin.
Graduated in 2001 from The University of Art and Design, Cluj. In 2015 he represented Romania at the 56th International Art Exhibition — La Biennale di Venezia. In 2005, he co-founded Galeria Plan B in Cluj, together with Mihai Pop, a production and exhibition space for contemporary art. In 2008 Plan B opened a permanent exhibition space in Berlin. His work has been widely exhibited in group and solo exhibitions, including at Tate Liverpool, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi in Florence.
